Alyson Beaton, M.F.A.

Alyson Beaton, M.F.A.

Assistant Professor of Practice, Design

Alyson Beaton is an interdisciplinary designer/maker/author and entrepreneur. Her projects range from space, exhibit and objects to graphic design/branding. Over the course of her career she has collaborated with many companies to create unique products and experiences including: Neiman Marcus, Barneys NYC, National Building Museum in DC, Windham Fabrics, Nickelodeon Studios, Zachary A Design, and Paper Source. Her artists’ books have been distributed by Printed Matter NYC, and Colette (FR) and remain in the permanent collection of the Joan Flasch Artist's book collection in Chicago.

She received her Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Texas A&M University, and went on to complete a Master of Fine Art degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Upon completion of her degree, she co-authored The Business of Holidays, edited by Maud Lavin and published by the Monacelli Press and reviewed in The New York Times. After completing several more children’s books, she went on to create a product line inspired by urban houses all over the world. Her Lille Huset “little house” collection has been notably featured in Dwell Magazine, Chicago Magazine, The Austin Chronicle and sold in stores large and small world wide.

Upon returning to Texas, she co-founded Urbs Studio, a research based design studio alongside Matthew Beaton, AIA. The studio is an interdisciplinary design studio focused on urban housing, micro economies and place making in Austin, Texas.